Folding umbrella.



0. JESDALE & L. G. WELLDE.

FOLDING UMBRELLA.

APPLIOA'I'ION FILED NOV. 8, 1907.

Patented Feb. 9, 1909.

I'NEESEE:

THE NORRIS FETSPS 00,, wxsnmaruu, 0 c4 To all whom iti'mayconcem:

* nnrrsn sTA'rEsPAT T caries.

CHARLES .TESDALEI he: LoUIs e. WELLDE, OF CHICAGO, ILLINoIs.

FOLDINGJJ'MBJRELLQA.

Application filed November 8, 1907. Serial N 0. 401,240.

Be it known that we, CHARLEs JESDALE and Louis G. VVELLDE, citizens ofthe United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of;

Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certaIn new and useful.Improvements In Folding Umbrellas, of which the followingis aspecification. p

Our invention relates to umbrellas and has special reference to thatclass in which both stick and ribs are adapted to be reduced in lengthby sliding or telescoping, andcoms monly designated a folding umbrella.

The paramount objects of our invention are to provide an umbrella thatcan be readily reduced in its longitudinal dimension so that it can beplaced in a comparatively small receptacle, such as a hand bag or thepocket of a coat; to afford means for quickly restoring the parts totheir extended or open position, and to furnish means for rigidlysecuring the devices against accidental collapse when so expanded. I

Other objects of our improvements are to provide simple mechanism foraccomplishing the desired results; to so design and construct the partsas to give the requisite strength and rigidity without unusual increasein the weight and dimension, and'to supply movable parts having thedesirable quality r durability and so related as to be readily'assembledand repaired.

Further objects of our invention are to provide quick-actinginterlocking devices,

for the telescoping members; to furnish a strong and rigid connectionbetween the stick and the rib holder, and to supply a frictional detentfor the rib sections that will afiord mutual support to the slidablecon-- nections and lock the parts when extended. We accomplish the aboveand other important objects by the mechanical construc tion illustratedin the accompanying draw Ing, which forms a part of this specification,and in which I Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional View Figs. 4 and '5are side views of the locking clamp and locking sleeve, respectively;Fig. 6 is a sectional view on the line 66 of Fig. 1;

' Fig. 7 is a side view of the locking shoe;

Specification of Letters Pate-nt.

Patented Feb. 9, 1909.

the'numeral 10 indicates the top or notch,

provided with the usual groove 11 for the retaining wire (not shown) andnotches 11 with which the ends of the rib engage. The said notch 10 hasan extension 12, reduced in size and through the notch and its extensionis formed an aperture 13 having in ternal threads. Covering thisaperture is a cap-plate 1 1- irom which projects a screw 15, said screwengaging the aperture 13. The cap-plate 14: is furnished witha shoulder16, thus leaving an interval 17 between the cap-plate and the said notchto receive the fabric (not shown) which is to form a cover for theumbrella. The application of such cover will be readily understood sinceit will only be necessary to supply a central hole therein to admit theshoulder 16, the

plate 1 1 retaining the cover in place when .a t'elescoping engagementwith each other and are retained in such relation by means hereinafterdescribed. The material for these sections may be any suitable metal. Weprefer, however, to employ steel for this portion of the structure, andwe use this metal generally throughout the entire framework, certainexceptions being noted in connection with the detailed descriptions. Theobj ectionablefeatureinherent in steel,namely, the tendency tooxidation, is obviated by subjecting the parts to the well known bluingprocess, which has the double advantage ofproducing the desired temperand at the same time rendering the metal rust-proof. The first or uppersection 20 is the smallest in diameter and may be made of a solid rod ifdesired. We prefer the construction shown as aiiording the necessarystrength and rigidity with a minimum weight. The upper end 23 of thissection is threadedto engage the internal threads of the aperture 13 inthe fixed notch 10. The said section is additionally supported andcentered by a collar or bushing 24, preferably made of aluminum whichsurrounds the said section and fits tightly in the bore of the fasteningsleeve 18 and is secured by a rivet 2a. The sleeve 18 in conjunctionwith the section 20, thus forms a rigid structure adapted to properlysupport the attached framework and to resist lateral strain, at'the sametime affording a housing and support for the upper end of the runnerwhich telescopes therein, said runner and arrangement being hereinafterdescribed. The lower end of the section 20 is reinforced by a thickeningof the wall upon the outer surface as shown at26, said reinforcementpresenting a sloping or taper shoulder 27 where it joins the main tube.This engagement is adapted to have a sliding fit within the bore of thesecond or middle section 21. The upper end of the middle section 21 isprovided with an internal reinforcement formed by inserting a sleeve 29and securing it by brazing. The inner margin of the sleeve is tapered orbeveled as shown at 30, Fig. 3, to correspond with the incline 27 of thefirst section, and these tapered shoulders become wedged together whenthe sections are extended and thus prevent any lost motion laterally.The sections thus engaged are locked against longitudinal movement bythe following means. I The sleeve 29 is furnished with oppositelylocated slots 31, which extend from the tapered margin of said sleeve ina longitudinal direction as shown at 32, Jig. 3, and are then continuedin a spiral form 33, for about a quarter of the circumference of thesleeve. The en gaging end of the adjacent section is provided with atransverse pin 3a, having its ends 35 projecting to an extentcorresponding with the thickness of the reinforcement. These ends 35 areadapted to enter the slots 31, and upon being carried to the end of thespiral portion 33 of the slots, which is done by giving the parts aslight twisting movement the ends 35 of the pin will lock the jointsecurely against longitudinal and lateral forces. The description thusgiven to the construction and manipulation of the joint between thesections 20 and 21 will apply equally to the joint between the middle orsecond section 21, and the last or third section 22. The lower end ofthe said third section. is supplied with a handle or knob 36 which isprovided with an extension 3? adapted to fit tightly within the bore ofthe tubing or section, and is permanently fastened by a rivet 88.

It will be evident that the force required to release the joints whenlocked will vary not only in different joints, but also as to eachjoint. That is, when the end sections are grasped and the parts given aslight twist to unseat the engaging pins 34: from the slots 81,sometimes one joint will be the first to unlock and sometimes the other.By shifting one hand to the middle portion and holding that firmly thesecond joint can be l upper end of the lower rib unlocked, but as theoperator may be for the moment uncertain which joint has yielded, he isobliged to make trial, in some instances, first of one section and thenthe other before his efforts are successful. To avoid this procedurewhich is awkward and undesirable and to enable the releasing to be donewith quick movement and without the necessity of shifting the hold uponthe ends of the stick, we provide releasing notches 35) in the lowerends of the sections. The said notches in the end of the first sectionit) are adapted to be engaged by the locking pin ill; of the nextsection, when the sections are retracted and as there is no locking pinbelow the second joint a release pin ll) is inserted in section 22 istabove the attachment of the handle for the purpose of engaging andreleasing the upper joint. inspection of the relation of these notchesand the several pins will show that the cn -cment of the notches 39 ofthe upper section with the locking pin 3% of the middle section 21 willaid in the release of the lower joint, and enga ement of the notches 39of the middle section. 21 with the pin 40 will enable the upper joint tohe released.

its in all ui'ubrellas, we provide a runner which coi'isists "t aslidablc sleeve "l-l adapted to telescope .i'hin the frstoningsleeve 18,and cnibraciir said s eeve ll is a ring or collar prov d with peripheralgrhove 43 for the binding wi c, and having the usual notches to rccciiethe inner ends of the sprcaders l which have the ordinary construction.lletwccn adjacent notches ll; is cut a special notch in which is mounteda. latch ill) having a. pivot hole l? through which the fafl'ening wire(not shown) is threaded and which serves as a pivot upon which. saidlatch rocks. The upper end of the latch is supplied with a tooth l8which engages an aperture 4-9 in the faslei'iing sleeve 18, a spring 50holding the latch in locked position.

The ribs which serve to support the cloth coverin the usual manner, areich composed of two portions an upper rib or sec tion 51. one end otwhich is received in a notch in the menber 10 and a lower section or ribThese ribs are c -shaped in cross section, the form usually met with inmnbrella construction, and are adapted to telescopically slide upon eachother, the lower rib 52 being received within the upper rib To the freeend or the upper rib 51 is secured a retaining :lecve 53 through whichthe lower rib slides and which aids in maintaining the two ribs inproper engagement with each other. The side 54; of said sleeve 52:3which 0 vcrs the inner rib is flattened and the inner end 55 thereof isinclined upto form an cngging surface for a.

ward retaining snoe 56, which is located at the 52 and 1s fastened'securely to'the inner face or groove of said rib. This shoe projectsbeyond the side margins of the rib 52'to which itisat tached and isfurnished with a pivot hole 57. To this shoe is pivotally attached theouter end of tie spreader, which is forked to embrace said shoe andsecured thereto by a pivot pin 58. The end of the lower rib thusattached to the spreaderis retained in place by a clip 59 which loosely.clasps the rib 51 and has holes 60 for the pin 58. This clip hasinclined margins 61 which prevent said clips from engaging the lower endof the fastening sleeve 18 during the process of folding the umbrella.The free margin of the said shoe 56 has a beveled portion '62 whichengages the inclined surface of the sleeve 53 when the ribs arecompletely ex tended and locks them in this position until the stick isextended and the locking pins engaged with their slots.

To open the umbrella when closed, the. operator grasps the runner andattached stretcher or the runner alone, in one hand and takes hold ofthe top cap withthe other. A steady pull upon these parts will extendthe ribs by sliding the lower rib in its channel in the upper. ribthrough the medium of the spreaders. When the ribs are slid to theirfull extent the operator seizes the handle with one hand, still keepinga grasp upon the top cap. He then pullsthe sections out as far as theywill go, and still holding the cap firmly he rotates the handle untilthe pins 34 engage the slots 31 and as soon as their engaging ends 35have reached the ends of the slots theparts willloe firmly locked inextended position.

To fold the umbrella when open the top cap is to be held firmly in onehand and the handle grasped with theother. The handle is then rotated ina direction opposite to that in which it was turned when opening, untilone of the sections or joints is released. The sections are thentelescoped by pushing them together and are then slightly rotated untilthe notch 39 of the unlocked section is engaged by its release pin. Afurther rotary movement of the handle will release the remaining joint.The ribs will then be re tracted relatively to each other by graspingthe points of the outer ribs by one hand and sliding them towards thecap which is still held as at first grasped.

Having thus described our invention what we claim as new, is

1. In a folding umbrella, the combination with a stick composed oftelescoping sections, of a notch having threaded connection with theupper section, a reinforcing sleeve attached to the notch, a collarconnecting the sleeve and said upper section, a series of ribsconsisting of sections arranged to slide upon each other, a runnerengaging said sleeve,

and spreaders connecting said runner and ribs.

2., In an umbrella, the combination with a stick composed of telescopingsections, of a notch secured to the upper section, a reinforcing sleeveattached to the notch, a collar connecting the sleeve and said uppersection, a series of sectional ribs, each rib composed of an upper and alower section, a retaining sleeve on each upper rib section andsurrounding the lower rib section, a clip attached to the lower ribsection and embracing the upper rib section, a retaining shoe fixed tothe lower rib section, a runner surrounding the stick, and a series ofspreaders connecting said retaining shoes with the runner.

8. In a folding umbrella, the combination with a stick composed oftelescoping sections, of a notch secured to the upper section, areinforcing sleeve attached to the notch, a collar connecting the sleeveand said upper section, a series of sectional ribs each rib composed ofan upper and a lower section, a retaining sleeve on each upper ribsection and surrounding the lower rib section, a clip attached to thelower rib section and embracing the upper rib section, a retaining shoefixed to the lower rib section and adapted to engage said retainingsleeve,

a runner surrounding the stick and adapted to engage the said renforcing sleeve when the ribs are extended, and a series of spreadersconnecting said retaining shoes with the runner.

4:. In a folding umbrella, the combination of a stick composed oftelescoping sections, reinforcements for the ends of the sections, saidreinforcements being provided with tapered shoulders adapted to mutuallyengage when the sections are extended, a looking pin arrangedtransversely in all but one of the sections and adapted to engagenotches in the ends of the adjacent sections, said pins havingprojecting ends adapted to engage spirally arranged slots in the innersurface of the adjacent section, a pin arranged transversely in thecavity of the lowest section, and adapted to engage notches in the endof the adjacent section, a series of ribs composed of sections arrangedto slide upon each other, a runner surrounding the stick, and adapted toslidably engage the said sleeve when the ribs are extended and spreadersconnecting said runner and ribs.

5. In a folding umbrella, the combination with a stick composedoftelescoping sections, a notch attached to the upper section, and arunner embracing the stick, of a series of sectional ribs, each ribhaving an upper and a lower section, a retaining sleeve on each upperrib section and surrounding the rib section, a retaining shoe fixed t0the lower rib section, a runner surrounding the stick and a series ofSpreaders connecting said retaining shoes with the runner.

6. in a folding umbrella, the Combination of a stick composed oftelescoping sections, reinforcements for the ends of the sections,tapering shoulders for the reinforcements adapted to mutually engagewhen the sections are extended, slots formed in the inner surfaces ofthe reinforced portions of the sections, said slots having a straightand a spiral portion, a locking pin extending trans versely in eachsection and having projecting ends adapted to engage said slots, aseries of sectional ribs, a runner, and a series of Spreaders connectingsaid sectional ribs with the runner.

7. In a folding umbrella, the combination of a stick, composed oftelescoping sections, reinforcements for the ends of the sections,tapering shoulders for the reinforcements adapted to mutuallyengage-when the sections are extended, slots formed in the innersurfaces of the reinforced portions, said slots having a straight and aspiral portion, locking pins in the sections having projecting endsadapted to engage said slots, a notch having threaded engagement withthe upper section, a reinforcing sleeve attached to the notch, aconnecting collar between the sleeve and said upger section, a series ofsectional ribs, a runner surrounding the stick and adapted totelescopically engage the .\l(l reinforcing sleeve when the ribs areextended, and a series of spreader-s connecting said sectional ribs withthe runner.

In testimony whereof we allix our signatures in the presence of twowitnesses.

CHARLES JESDALE. LOUIS G. KVELLDE.

Witnesses FRED. Yonxonnno, G'nonon M. Jonnson.

